Tech Brand Talk

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We are always trying to help our customers stay safe on line, whether that's by providing anti-virus software or by offering simply clear advice that will help you navigate the online your way around the web without fear. Hear are eight steps to keep your general browsing safe in 2011.

General Internet Safe Browsing Habits:

1.    Always check the spelling in the address bar at the top of the screen to ensure you’re at the official website, and not a carbon copy of the website you think you’re at.

2.    Always look for the padlock and the letters “https” rather than “http” when signing into an online account or making online purchases. This means that information you provide, such as your name, address and credit card information, is being encrypted on its way to the web server that hosts the website you’re buying from. This is important because this information crosses many public devices before reaching its destination, and someone in the middle can access this data if it’s not encrypted.

3.    Avoid shady sites which promise offers too good to be true such as: free electronics, free software, pirated software and illegal file sharing websites.

4.    Your browsing history is an insight into your browsing habits, particularly if you share a computer. To protect your privacy, clear your browser’s temporary Internet files and history after each session.

5.    Cookies are used to track your browsing history, usually for marketing purposes. Web browsers can be configured to notify you when a site sends you a cookie. You can then decide which sites you are willing to accept cookies from. Changing your cookie settings is found  in the “privacy” or “security” section of your browser's Internet options or preferences.

6.    Look for privacy policies. It’s always a good idea to review a web sites privacy policy to see how it will use your information before you tell them your details. Look for a clearly stated privacy policy and if there isn’t one then don’t register your details with them as your private information may be passed to others without your permission. 

7.    You may not always be protected from all the latest threats as they occur. These are referred to as a zero day vulnerabilities, but if you’re practicing safe browsing habits, you may avoid a threat that even your Anti-Virus software couldn’t protect you from.

8.    If you do practice the safe browsing habits listed here, along with some good old-fashioned common sense in conjunction with downloading a good Anti-Virus software product such as AVG, then you should be able to surf safely. Remember though that your Anti-Virus software is not a get out of jail free card to do whatever you like on the Internet.